State legislative leaders have balked at some of its recommendations, and have expressed resentment at what they see as a violation of the separation of powers. Their argument is that because it was appointed by the executive branch, the commission has no jurisdiction over how the Legislature conducts business.

We get the civics lesson. But objecting to anti-corruption investigations and reform on separation-of-powers grounds is like objecting to a criminal conviction because the case was heard in the wrong court: It’s not that the crook didn’t steal, it’s that he had the wrong judge. That’s hardly a defense that inspires public confidence in elected officials.